Erysipelas

 Erysipelas in Poultry

Erysipelas is a bacterial disease affecting various bird species, primarily turkeys, caused by Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae. Humans are also susceptible to infection from turkeys, hence precautions are necessary when handling infected birds or tissues. While turkeys are most significantly impacted, chickens, ducks, and geese can also contract the disease.

Seasonality and Age:

• Outbreaks typically occur in the fall and winter months, affecting birds between 4-7 months old, though any age can be susceptible.
• Higher incidence in males might be due to fighting and skin abrasions facilitating bacterial entry.
• In breeding flocks, decreased fertility and hatchability can be associated with the disease.

Transmission and Predisposing Factors:

• The bacterium survives in soil and contaminated premises, with outbreaks often originating from these sources.
• Sheep, swine, and rodents can act as carriers.
• Recurrence on infected premises is common.
• Overcrowding, damp weather, poor sanitation, and inadequate range management contribute to transmission and severity.

Clinical Signs:

• Sudden death: Often the first indication of the disease, although morbid birds can be found.
• Septicemic symptoms: Weakness, listlessness, lack of appetite, and sometimes yellowish or greenish diarrhea.
• Swollen snood in toms: May appear turgid, swollen, and purple.
• Lameness and joint swelling: Due to localized infection.
• Low daily morbidity and mortality, but potentially prolonged and excessive in untreated flocks.

Pathological Findings:

• Diffuse hemorrhages: Observed in various tissues and organs like muscles, heart, liver, spleen, fat, and skin.
• Enlarged and congested liver and spleen: With possible necrotic foci.
• Enteritis: Inflammation of the intestinal tract.

Diagnosis:

• Symptoms and lesions can resemble other diseases like fowl typhoid, requiring laboratory isolation and identification of E. rhusiopathiae for definitive diagnosis.

Prevention:

• Management practices:
  • Avoid ranges previously occupied by susceptible animals with a history of erysipelas.
  • Debeaking and snood removal in toms can reduce injuries and disease entry points.
  • Prevent overcrowding and provide well-drained ranges.
• Vaccination: Bacterins can be helpful where outbreaks are frequent, offering partial protection, but may not cover the entire laying period.
• Biosecurity: Promptly isolate sick birds, and move healthy birds to clean ranges with caution to avoid contamination.

Treatment:

• Penicillin injections: Highly effective in treating visibly sick birds, usually requiring one dose, but further treatment might be necessary.
• Antibiotics: Various antibiotics can be used depending on specific circumstances, but penicillin is considered the best option.
• Water and feed medication: This can be useful under certain conditions.

Comparison with other diseases:

• Fowl typhoid: Similar septicemic symptoms, but affects birds of all ages, has different causative bacteria, and lacks skin hemorrhages.
• Infectious coryza: Primarily affects the respiratory system with facial swelling and nasal discharge, while erysipelas has diffuse internal hemorrhages.

Human health risk:

Erysipelas can infect humans, often causing skin lesions. Handling infected birds or tissues requires precautions like wearing gloves and protective clothing. Seek medical attention promptly if exposed.

Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and should not be taken as veterinary advice. Always consult with a qualified veterinarian for diagnosis and treatment of poultry diseases.

Additional Resources:

• MSD Veterinary Manual: https://www.msdvetmanual.com/poultry/erysipelas/erysipelas-in-poultry: https://www.msdvetmanual.com/poultry/erysipelas/erysipelas-in-poultry
• Most common chicken diseases: Erysipelas. (n.d.). How and Where. Retrieved from https://howandwhere.co.ke/chicken-agribusiness/most-common-chicken-diseases/erysipelas/
• National Poultry Improvement Plan: https://www.poultryimprovement.org/: https://www.poultryimprovement.org/
• University of Georgia Poultry Extension: https://poultry.caes.uga.edu/extension.html: https://poultry.caes.uga.edu/extension.html